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The objective of this study was to evaluate the enzymatic activity of plasma cholinesterase in Chelonia mydas marine turtles belonging to two populations, according to their capture sites, under the absence and probable influence of anthropic effects. A total of 74 animals were used and later divided into two groups, based on the capture site. Blood samples were collected from all captured animals, which were then released into the sea at the site of capture. A descriptive statistical analysis of the plasma cholinesterase activity values and an analysis comparing these values based on the capture site were performed. Samples of heparinized plasma from animals captured at the two different sites were analyzed. Plasma cholinesterase activity ranged from 121 to 248U/L, with a mean and standard deviation of 186.1±30.68U/L. When comparing plasma cholinesterase activity values in individuals based on the capture site, a significant difference was observed. Establishing reference values for different sea turtle populations is necessary to interpret future sampling results and to allow sea turtles to be used as sentinels of ecosystem health. Future studies are needed to evaluate other populations and the activity of plasma cholinesterase in juvenile marine turtles, in relation to environmental contamination.

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Background Knowledge of mammalian inflammatory responses is vast; however, many aspects of the inflammatory response in non‐mammalian vertebrates, such as reptiles, remain unclear, including those regarding acute‐phase proteins (APPs). Recent studies have focused on the use of serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) to assess inflammatory responses in the broad‐snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) and other reptiles. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sex, body length, and different habitats on SPE patterns in C latirostris using sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Methods A total of 40 animals of both sexes and varying body lengths were collected; of these, 23 were free‐living in an industrial complex (site 1), and 17 were captive on a rural property (site 2). Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed to fractionate different serum protein constituents. Results Sex affected protein levels, with females showing higher serum levels of total protein, as well as the 90‐, 66‐, and 58‐kDa proteins compared with males. Similarly, body length affected protein levels, with male adults >1.70 m in length showing the lowest serum levels of 152‐, 58‐, 54‐, and 27‐kDa proteins of all other animals. Finally, habitat affected protein levels, with animals at site 1 showing higher serum levels of 152‐ and 41‐kDa proteins compared with those at site 2. Conclusions This preliminary study was the first to evaluate the SPE of C latirostris using SDS‐PAGE. Further studies to identify the proteins in each band with more specific and sensitive techniques (eg, mass spectrometry) should be conducted to elucidate the standard of APPs in reptiles better.

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